Modular firing ground

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a firing ground consisting of standard modules (1, 21, 25, 36, 52) which are preferably realized according to the ISO standards, the firing ground comprising in particular a ball-arrester module (1), one or more intermediate modules (21) which are arranged in front of the ball-arrester module (1), a so-called &#34;firing positions&#34; module (25) arranged in front of the last one of the intermediate modules (21), and a so-called &#34;firing controller position&#34; module (36) provided next to the &#34;firing positions&#34; module (25), each one of the modules being provided with structure (11) for quick connection to the adjacent modules, as well as with structure (12) for electric and/or hydraulic lines and/or adjacent module ducts connection, and with tight sealing along the connection wall with the adjacent module, with wheels (20) for motion during the assembling operation of the firing ground, and with inside heat- and sound-insulation (14), in addition to a number of other ancillary modules which can be provided according to any requirement at hand.

This invention relates to a modular firing ground and more particularlyit relates to a shooting range made up of standard modules which aretransportable and can be connected according to any requirements, saidmodules being provided with all ancillary equipment necessary to obtainan operating shooting range and being also provided with means for quickconnection to other modules.

Shooting ranges are built at present by arranging masonry worksunderground or at ground level, or also on raised floors of alreadyexisting buildings.

The problems stemming from such kind of structures are of various typesand quite evident to those who are skilled in the art.

First of all, the construction costs are very high, and this isparticularly true of indoor shooting ranges.

Moreover, the realization of masonry work shooting ranges asks forextremely long working times which are strongly affected by localweather conditions.

Once the shooting range has been constructed, the area intended for thesame cannot be exploited for other aims any more.

Moreover, due to the particular features of the shooting rangesthemselves, it is impossible after realizing them to change their sizes(length or number of firing lines) according to any different specificrequirements, unless definitely high costs are faced.

Accordingly, it can be certainly set forth that shooting rangesconstructed according to traditional techniques having masonrystructures or prefabricated structures of the traditional type, are verycostly to realize, have a poor flexibility of employment and areinhomogeneous to one another.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,301 it is described a "Modular shooting range"comprising a shooting booth, for an individual shooter, communicatingwith the interior of an elongated firing tube. The end of the firingtube is closed by a bullet backstop which deflects bullets fired andcollects them in a trough of liquid. Each of the booth, tube andbackstop can be at least partially prefabricated.

In French patent No. 1,558,501 it is described a process to assembly aprefabricated house.

DE patent No. 2,125,188 describes a process for the realization oftransportable room units, each one independent from the other.

In the French patent No. 2,292,811 it is described a transportableprefabricated house unit, and in French patent No. 2,077,127 it isdescribed a housing having a reinforced frame.

Finally, a movable firing ground, disposed on a truck, is described inFrench patent No. 2,504,669.

Thus, it is quite clear that there is a need for shooting ranges such asthose of the type suggested by the present invention, which are realizedthrough assembling previously realized standard modules which are veryeasy to transport.

In that way, the assembling times of the shooting range in the yard areremarkably shortened (50-100 times shorter) in addition to a strongreduction of costs (2-3 times lower), and the characteristics of theshooting range obtained are made homogeneous with respect to those ofthe other shooting ranges.

However, especially in the case of the shooting range according to thepresent invention, the structural features of the shooting range can bemodified after its realization, and according to the specificrequirements of the purchaser, with no need for long and costlyadditional work.

Moreover, employing a solution like that proposed by the Applicant, itis possible in case of unrepairable damages to substitute very quicklythe module in question.

The realization of the shooting range of the present invention accordingto ISO standards allows the same to be easily transported with anytransportation means, even overseas.

In addition, if the modules are realized so that they can be overlappedto one another, it is possible to double the performance of the shootingrange without increasing its horizontal overall dimensions.

The light weight of the structures allows the shooting range to beconstructed on top of already existing buildings or inside the same.

These and other achievements are obtained according to the presentinvention by realizing a shooting range consisting of transportablemodules, each one of said modules being provided with means for rapidlyassembling the same and for quickly interconnecting operatively a modulewith other equal modules or with modules which are different by theirinner features, each module being internally provided with specificequipment for realizing the aims for which the module itself isintended.

Accordingly, it is a specific object of the present invention to realizea shooting range comprising a bullet arresting module, one or moreintermediate modules arranged in front of said bullet-arresting module,a so-called "firing positions" module arranged in front of the last oneof said intermediate modules, characterized in that it is provided aso-called "firing controller position" arranged next said "firingpositions" module, in that each one of said modules is provided withmeans for rapid connection with the adjacent modules, as well as withmeans for connecting electric and/or hydraulic lines and/or ducts of theadjacent modules, with sealing means along the connection walls with theadjacent modules, with means for motion during the assembling operationof the shooting range, and with inside heat- and sound-insulating means,and in that each one of said modules is realized according to the ISOstandards.

Preferably the firing axis of the shooting range according to thepresent invention is realized so as to be at right angles to the mainaxis of the modules.

In addition to the modules previously pointed out, according to thepresent invention a so-called "firing pre-positions" module, a"thermoventilation" module, and an "ancillary equipment" module can beprovided, besides a various number of intermediate modules which areuseful for increasing the shooting range length.

Again according to the present invention, there is the possibility ofoverlapping two shooting ranges or of putting them side by side,according to any requirement.

The shooting range so realized can be provided with strengtheningstructures or with external covering fitting structures.

The modules which the shooting range according to the present inventionis made up of can have their upper portions telescopically extensible,while the motion means can consist of wheels running on rails.

The bullet-arresting module will be provided with a covering, as well aswith side walls and a fixed floor, and preferably with a shutter-bearingend wall. The equipment making up the ball-arrester can consist of anykind of bullet-arresting, from the well known types of simpleconstruction and made up for instance of heaps of material, to thebullet-arresters of the continuous regeneration type.

Moreover, means will be provided for collecting splinters and leadpowders.

The intermediate modules which are open both in the front and in theback part have side walls sloping innerwards and preferably they have afloor with folding side wings to allow the module to be inspected.

Dividing walls will be provided in the "firing positions" modules forballistic protection between a firing position and the other ones, saidwalls being fastened to metallic frames which are integral with thesupporting structure, and floors will be provided which are preferablymade up of a compact wood mix and smooth rubber for splinter-proofingand to prevent bullets from bouncing.

Such modules can be equipped with any fittings required for obtainingthe best firing conditions (control means for lights and for targetmotion, sight and sound means, intercom headphones, and so on).

Further it is possible to provide a device for detecting carbon monoxidetraces in the environment.

The "firing controller position" module is equipped with a box or cabhaving transparent walls consisting of Perspex, or polycarbonate or anyother transparent material, as well as with a ventilation system and allnecessary fittings.

On the contrary, as regards the so-called "ancillary equipment" module,the same will in particular be provided with a self-contained powersupply group as well as with hygienic-sanitary equipment so that theshooting range in question according to the present invention can beconstructed even in uninhabited areas.

Said ancillary equipment module can be indifferently arranged at thefront or at the rear end of the shooting range, or said module can alsobe provided at a position adjacent to the structure and independent ofthe same.

Moreover, a purposely designed inlet or entrance module can beadditionally provided.

This invention will be disclosed in the following according to somepreferred embodiments of the same with particular reference to thefigures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view of abullet-arresting module of the shooting range according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the module ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view of an intermediatemodule of the shooting range according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the module ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view of a so-called"firing positions" module of the shooting range according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the module ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view of a so-called"firing controller position" module of the shooting range according tothe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the module ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a front view of an inlet or entrance module of the shootingrange according to the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 14.

Observing now the figures from FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the bullet-arrestingmodule 1 is provided with an external shutter 2 for entrance from therear part of the module, said shutter having a remote controlledelectric lock, said module also having an inner safety shutter 3 as wellas devices 4 for request and allowance to enter through the rear part.The reference numeral 5 points out a light signal of the shutter 2,whereas number 6 points out the lights that allow said ball-arrestingmodule 1 to be inspected from its rear part.

The true and correct ball-arrester device according to the embodimentshown in the figures comprises a number of ballistic plates 7 forconveying bullets, as well as a number of vertical ball guard blades 8,screw conveyors 9 at the ends of two converging plates 7 for slowingdown bullets, and tight sealing devices 10 for collecting and extractingbullets.

The module 1 is provided with corner blocks 11 for rapid connection withthe adjacent modules of the shooting range according to the presentinvention.

The connection of the feeding lines with those of the other modulesoccurs through the rapid-insertion flexible connection 12.

The reference numeral 13 in FIG. 2 points out the rails for aligning andassembling the modules of the shooting range.

The module 1 is coated inside with sound-insulating and sound-absorbingmaterials 14 and it is provided with loudspeakers 15 for soundcommunications.

The external supporting frame 16 is made up of structural steel.

A space 17 is provided in the rear part of the module 1 for inspection.

Sealing gaskets 18 are provided along the perimetrical part at theconnection zones between one module and the next, whereas the roof 19will be provided on top.

Each module is provided with wheels 20 for allowing it to move on theground.

With reference now to FIGS. 5-7, an intermediate module 21 is shownwhich is completely empty in the central portion and whose object isjust that of making the shooting range of the present invention longer.

Such module comprises a floor 22 coated with rubber, whereas the plates23 consisting of ballistic steel are provided between the externalsupporting frame 16 made up of structural steel and the sound-absorbing,sound-insulating coating 14.

Two side wings 24 are further provided, allowing the plant channels tobe inspected.

The "firing positions" module 25, besides the structures alreadydisclosed with reference to the modules 1 and 21, is provided withdividing walls 26 arranged between one marksman and the next said wallsbeing made up of bullet-proof and anti-rebound material and ofsound-absorbing material.

Each one of the firing positions is provided with overturning planes 27for supporting the weapon and with a monitor 28 for the firing detectiontelevision circuit.

Moreover, a personal control board 29 is arranged on the dividing walls26 for the marksman's use.

The module 25 is provided with channels 30 for introducing a flow ofcold air, as well as with fans 31 for causing air to flow, and withheater fans 32 for introducing hot air and with the correspondingchannel 33 for the flow of said air.

The reference numeral 34 finally points out the lights for illuminatingthe individual firing positions.

Some means 35 will be provided inside the module 25 for detecting carbonmonoxide.

In the so-called "firing controller position" module 36 (FIGS. 11, 12and 13), two doors 37 and 38 are provided for entrance to the shootingrange, said doors being provided with bullet-proof glass, remotecontrolled electric lock, bullet-proof boards, microswitches for openingand closing signalling, intercom, semaphores and so on, two outlet doors39 and 40 bearing similar fittings being also provided in said module.

The reference numeral 41 points out the air distribution "plenum" whichis made up of the wall 42 bearing a multi-layer, insulating splinter-and bullet-proof double glass, of a polycarbonate or Perspex plate 43drilled at 44 so as to distribute hot air towards the marksmen. Said"plenum" 41 is connected to the external channel 45 that introduces airinto the same.

The wall 42 is the front upper wall of the box or cab of the firingcontroller, the front lower wall 46 of said box being made up ofbullet-proof material.

The box of the firing controller which is delimited by side and backwalls 47 and is made up of a VIS-ARM glass type comprises a controlconsole 48 for controlling the various functions of the firing ground,and a seat 49 on a raised floor 50.

Said module 36 additionally comprises communication and entrancesemaphore means 51.

Finally, FIGS. 14 and 15 show an entrance module 52 to the firingground, in which module a cantilever roof 53, and intercom 54 and theentrance doors 55 are provided.

It is quite clear that it is possible to realize shooting rangessuitable to any requirements (as regards performance and costs) andwhich can be easily integrated with other modules by merely combiningthe modules disclosed above, by connecting the same along their lengthsor by putting them side by side or overlapping a module to other ones.

This invention has been disclosed with specific reference to somepreferred embodiments of the same, but it is to be understood thatmodifications and/or changes can be introduced by those who are skilledin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionfor which a priority right is claimed.

I claim:
 1. A shooting range comprising:a bullet-arresting module forarresting bullets fired therein; a firing position module foraccommodating at least one marksman; at least one intermediate modulepositioned intermediate said bullet-arresting module and said firingposition module; and a firing controller module for controllingoperation of said shooting range, said firing controller module beingadjacent said firing position module; wherein each of said modulesincludes:rapid connection means for rapidly connecting said module to anadjacent one of said modules; electric lines, hydraulic lines, and ductsand service connection means for connecting at least one of saidelectric and hydraulic lines and ducts of one of said modules to arespective one of said electric and hydraulic lines and ducts of anadjacent one of said modules; at least one connecting wall forconnecting said module to a connecting wall of an adjacent one of saidmodules and sealing means for sealingly connecting adjacent connectingwalls; moving means for moving said module when said shooting range isbeing assembled; and sound insulation and heat insulation means; andwherein each of said modules complies with ISO standards.
 2. A shootingrange according to claim 1, wherein said shooting range has a firingaxis and wherein said bullet-arresting module, said firing positionmodule, said at least one intermediate module, and said firingcontroller module are substantially rectangular in shape having a pairof opposed longer sides and a pair of opposed shorter sides, adjacentmodules being connected at said longer sides, and wherein said moduleseach have a main axis parallel to said longer sides, said main axisbeing at right angles to said firing axis of said shooting range.
 3. Ashooting range according to claim 1, further comprising a pre-firingposition module positioned forwardly of said firing position module. 4.A shooting range according to claim 1, further comprising athermoventilation module for providing heat and ventilation to saidmodules.
 5. A shooting range according to claim 1, further comprising anancillary equipment module for housing ancillary equipment.
 6. Ashooting range according to claim 5, wherein said ancillary equipmentmodule includes a self-contained power supply and hygiene and sanitaryfittings.
 7. A shooting range according to claim 6, wherein saidancillary equipment module is positioned adjacent said bullet-arrestingmodule, said firing position module, said at least one intermediatemodule, and said firing controller module, and is self-contained withrespect to said bullet-arresting module, said firing position module,said at least one intermediate module, and said firing controllermodule.
 8. A shooting range according to claim 1, further comprising anentrance module for providing entrance to and exit from said shootingrange.
 9. A shooting range according to claim 1, wherein each of saidbullet-arresting module, said firing position module, said at least oneintermediate module, and said firing controller module includes walls, aceiling, and a floor, said walls, ceiling, and floor being made of abullet-proof material.
 10. A shooting range according to claim 1,further comprising at least one additional module positioned adjacentone of said bullet-arresting module, said firing position module, saidat least one intermediate module, and said firing controller module. 11.A shooting range according to claim 1, further comprising ancillarycovering structures covering said modules.
 12. A shooting rangeaccording to claim 1, wherein each of said modules has an upper portion,said upper portion being vertically telescopically extensible.
 13. Ashooting range according to claim 1, wherein said moving means comprisesrails and wheels running on said rails.
 14. A shooting range accordingto claim 1, wherein said bullet-arresting module comprises a floor, aroof opposite said floor, a pair of opposed fixed side walls, and an endwall, said end wall including shutters for providing entrance to andexit from said bullet-arresting module.
 15. A shooting range accordingto claim 14, wherein said bullet-arresting module further comprisesmeans for collecting splinters and lead powders.
 16. A shooting rangeaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one intermediate modulecomprises opposed, inwardly sloping side walls, opposed open front andrear ends, and a floor, said floor including folding side wings.
 17. Ashooting range according to claim 1, wherein said firing position moduleincludes a floor, a supporting structure, metallic frames integral withsaid supporting structure, a plurality of adjacent firing positions, anda plurality of dividing walls separating adjacent firing positions forproviding ballistic protection between adjacent firing positions, saiddividing walls being fastened to said metallic frames, and said floorbeing made of a compact wood mix and a splinter-proof smooth rubber forpreventing bullets from bouncing.
 18. A shooting range according toclaim 1, further comprising means for detecting carbon monoxide tracesin the environment of said shooting range.
 19. A shooting rangeaccording to claim 1, wherein said firing controller module includes acab having a transparent wall, a ventilation system, and means forcontrolling operation of said shooting range.